Québec City's alluring setting atop Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) speaks to travelers of high adventure, military history, and exploration. This French-speaking capital city is the only walled city north of Mexico. Visitors come for the delicious and inventive cuisine, the remarkable historical continuity, and to share in the seasonal exuberance of the largest Francophone population outside of France.

The essence of this community is the Old City (Vieux-Québec), comprising the part of Upper Town (Haute-Ville) surrounded by walls and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), which spreads out at the base of the hill. Many sets of staircases and the popular funicular link the top of the hill with the bottom. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate cathedrals here are charming in all seasons. The Old City earned recognition as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, thanks largely to city planners who managed to update and preserve the 400-year-old buildings and attractions without destroying the historic feel. The most familiar icon of the city, Fairmont Château Frontenac, set on the highest point in Upper Town, holds court over the entire city.

At the confluence of the St-Lawrence and St-Charles rivers, the city's famous military fortification, La Citadelle, was built of sandstone and remains the largest of its kind in North America. Visitors in summer should try to catch the Changing of the Guard, held every morning at 10 am; you can get much closer to the guards here than at Buckingham Palace in London.

Enchanting as it is, the Old City is just a small part of the true Québec City experience. Think outside the walls and explore St-Roch, Québec's new hot spot with artsy galleries and a bustling square. Cruise the Grand Allée and avenue Cartier to find a more lively part of town dotted with nightclubs and chic eateries. Or while away the hours in St-Jean-Baptiste, the bohemian quarter of the city with trendy shops and hipster hangouts.